Specialty Classes: Finding Core, Cardio and Community
Fitness & Wellness is offering Boxing Bootcamp and Pilates Reformer classes this summer, giving students ways to stay active through guided progression and community-focused workouts
As the summer heat simmers in, the sound of gloves striking punching bags and the release of tension on the reformers picks up as Rec Sports revs up for the summer. This summer, Fitness & Wellness is offering Boxing Bootcamp and Pilates Reformer classes, available in both single-class signups and packages. Designed for all experience levels, the classes combine guided instruction with high-energy workouts that help participants build skills and confidence over time.
“They meet twice per week for four weeks in the summer,” Fitness & Wellness Director Anna Taggart said. “We also have two drop-in specialty classes offered this summer. These give students an opportunity to still try the specialty classes if they cannot commit to a four-week class due to availability or space.”
Amber Guthrie practices her punches in Boxing Bootcamp
Boxing Bootcamp
Trade your fists for boxing gloves this summer with Boxing Bootcamp. With heavy punching bags, and conditioning circuits, Boxing Bootcamp creates high intensity workouts for all skill levels. The classes build on skills progressively where participants can continually challenge themselves regardless of prior experience.
“We start with the basic punches and footwork,” Fitness Instructor Jennifer Rhinesmith-Carranza said. “Then we add on defensive movements, more complex combos, speed, power. We progress those skills week to week, so somebody can come in with absolutely no experience, and they’ll be just fine.”
Beyond technique, the classes also emphasize conditioning through training circuits called “conditioning stations.” These stations combine cardio and strength-focused exercises to keep participants moving while reinforcing boxing fundamentals.
“It’s progressive week to week, but it’s what we call a circuit style format, so we have about half boxing and half resistance and strength building type of training,” Rhinesmith-Carranza said. “So not only do you get to build a set of skills, you’re learning a new skill week over week with practice, with reinforcement, with revising that idea. You get to see your own progress over time.”
Working on the small box during Pilates Reformer with Fitness & Wellness
Pilates Reformer
For participants looking to trade boxing gloves for the straps and springs of a reformer, Fitness & Wellness is offering Pilates Reformer packages. Pilates Reformer is a mind-body workout that uses specialized reformer machines to support controlled movements and resistance training.
“The reformer is a machine that’s designed to support the Pilates practice,” Rhinesmith-Carranza said. “It uses spring resistances, and we focus on core stability, joint mobility, flexibility and strength. It’s a full body workout, so it’s everything from the soles of your feet all the way up through your legs, your core, your arms.”
While reformer machines may seem intimidating at first, instructors guide participants through the movements step by step. With only 12 reformers available and six time slots, spots fill up quickly.
“I usually have at least half the class of participants who have never done Pilates before, so they might be a little nervous,” Fitness Instructor Novey Bertram said. “But I always start with foundational exercises so that they can build up their skill levels. I understand when people are nervous to sign up, but it goes by so fast and we get to learn so much together.”
Boxing Bootcamp
Package Options
Boxing Bootcamp
Drop-In Classes
Fitness & Wellness also offers drop-in options for both Pilates Reformer and Boxing Bootcamp, perfect for those who don’t want to commit to multiple weeks. Compared to the package classes, the boxing drop-ins emphasize individual boxing skills rather than long-term progression and conditioning. The format allows participants to try the class without committing to a full package.
“There may not be as much of that community aspect, in the sense that you don’t see the same people week to week,” Rhinesmith-Carranza said. “But it will still be super high energy, very supportive, ‘everybody is in this together’ type of feeling.”
Whether it’s Boxing Bootcamp or Pilates Reformer, drop-in classes or the full package, the philosophy remains the same: everyone is there to get better.
“It’s a privilege that we get to move our bodies in the ways that we can,” Rhinesmith-Carranza said. “What I want people to take away is that moving your body can be fun. It can be something you look forward to. It doesn’t have to be a chore, like you can leave a really intensive workout feeling good and excited for the next one, and still having worked really hard.”
If you want to redline your heartrate in the gym or grind your core on the reformer machine, Rec Sports has options for you! To sign up for either specialty classes visit Fitness & Wellness and get started!
